Choosing a Computer

Buying from the Duke Computer Store

If you are considering buying a new computer for college, we encourage you consider the Duke Computer Advantage, which gives you:

  • On-campus hardware and software support
    • Service from the same team used by Duke faculty and staff
    • Phone, e-mail, online chat and walk-up service year round
  • Full protection against accidental damage
    • Broken screen, cracked case, liquid spill — all fixed, no charge
    • A loaner notebook if your computer is in the shop for an extended time
  • Laptops from top vendors
    • Business machines, powerful enough to handle the applications our students use
    • Leveraging Duke’s buying power with technology partners, Apple, Dell and Lenovo
  • Get it whenever you need it: Shipped home when you specify in the spring, or waiting for pickup on campus in August
  • Extended warranties on all machines: The best warranties you can get: four years on Dell and Lenovo machines, three on Apple machines
To view and purchase Duke Computer Advantage laptops, visit the Duke Computer Store Web site.

Bringing a computer from home

You do not have to buy a new computer for your time at Duke, but you should make sure that any computer you bring to Duke can provide at least basic e-mail, Web and word processing capabilities. Most computers purchased new in the last two years should meet this standard.

Buying from a vendor other than Duke

If you choose to purchase a computer other than from the TAP program, please be sure to read our recommended computer specifications. Also, be aware that the OIT Service Desk will provide the most comprehensive service to TAP machines. Drop-off service, for example, is provided only for TAP machines.

Duke's computer labs

If you don't bring a computer to Duke, or you don't want to take your laptop everywhere, rest assured that Duke has hundreds of computers for your use in libraries and labs around campus. These computer labs include specialized labs called Multimedia Project Studios, which are available for students to use for all of their creative needs.

Choosing a laptop vs. a desktop

Last year, 95 percent of students had their own computers on campus. Of those, 95 percent used laptops. Laptops provide the mobility a student’s life demands, allowing you to work in classrooms, libraries, dining halls and common areas, and improving collaboration in study groups.